WELLINGTON Association Football Club’s Wanderers Under 12s travelled to Lympstone in Devon for their first pre-season game, with the match coming before the whole team had even had a training session together.

Despite the obvious early-season rust, there were plenty of encouraging signs and lots to be positive about throughout the game which was played on a glorious, sunny day. At times, Wellington played some really fluid football, moving the ball well and creating a number of good scoring chances. There were, as expected, areas that still need work to be done, but that is exactly what pre-season football games are all about.

The fact that they created scoring opportunities was good, because the time to worry is when you do not.

Rex B got Wellington’s goal after some good attacking play, and there were periods where Wellington looked dangerous going forward. Unfortunately, they couldn’t quite find the finishing touch often enough and eventually went down to a 3-1 loss against good opposition.

The result was less important than the performance, and there were certainly plenty of positives to take into the next game. With training sessions still to come and more time for the players to gel, there is plenty of promise in this group of youngsters.

The Wanderers are back in action on Saturday, August 29, when they face Twyford at Dobree Park, Rockwell Green, Wellington, with another opportunity to build on their performance against Lympstone.

A big thank you goes to the United’s shirt sponsor, Roadchef, for their continued support of Wellington Wanderers Under 12s. The lads fully appreciate it.

*The United are one of nearly 30 teams run by Wellington, catering for all age groups. The youth section has 20 teams with boys and girls playing from the age of eight through to 18. Few clubs in Somerset field so many teams.

John Norman